This is a work in progress, as is all of Life. As I continue on my journey in the world of blogging and writing, I also continue to learn about myself and how I feel about things, in more ways than I ever imagined. This is a judge free zone. I analyze and "think" and process things as they come to me. I just want to share what has helped me along this journey of my life, and hope that there is something that I have endured that may spark a revelation in you, too. I'm honored that you are here.

Personal Note

My most valued possession is my family. Even if you are living in a box somewhere, and you have the love and support of your family, you will always be wealthy. Love really is all you need. From love, great things will emerge. From your thoughts, you can create greatness.

This is what I need to remind myself of everyday to be the best person that I can be. Live your life with gratitude. Be thankful for all that you have everyday, even if it is your eyes to see or your ears to hear or your feet to walk or your hands to create. Understand your place in this Universe; how infinitesimally small you are, but how huge a contribution your Spirit is. Don't wear blinders to the world around you, you're not the only one here. Be kind, considerate, don't be judgemental, love others, and yourself. Know that you are perfect inside; that you are love.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Sundays With Buddha

Week 12Awake. Be the witness of your thoughts. --BuddhaThis is one of the first things I learned when I started on my
journey of self-discovery and what I needed to do to become a better person. It
seemed to be the main focus, or ideal, in everything that I read. Awaken the
mind by bringing your awareness to the forefront of your thoughts and be the
witness of those thoughts. When you witness your thoughts, you no longer allow
the chatter of your mind to control you—you begin the process of control over
yourself.

Starting a new process in anything can be exciting, but
overwhelming at the same time. You want so badly to have something new in your
life, and sometimes you become a bit too eager to do it perfectly. Starting the process of
becoming the witness of your own thoughts, your own life, should never fill you
with fear and trepidation, but joy and a sense of freedom. There is no wrong
way to begin, no disappointment to be had for failure of accomplishment.

I learned to start witnessing my thoughts by first taking
time to notice the little things around me. I started taking a few moments
during simple daily activities to quiet my mind by concentrating more on what I
was doing. When I washed the dishes I would take notice of how the water felt
or the soap smelled. I would close my eyes for a brief moment and listen to the
birds outside or feel the breeze coming through the window. When I walked the
dog I would actually look at how beautiful my neighborhood was, really see the
trees and flowers; listen to the nature all around me. It was then that I could
also see the difference in my thinking mind before these changes, and after.

It was a huge difference.

Soon you will be in the habit of noticing your thoughts as
you are thinking them; change your thought pattern before it runs away with
you. Probably, and most importantly, stop yourself from saying something hurtful
(and regretful) before it mindlessly slips out.

Sometimes our thoughts go beyond just mindless chatter or a
constant to-do list. We torment ourselves with a play-by-play or ‘movie reel’
of past events that we regret or wish we could change. Then we constantly
create scenarios where we re-work the situation and try to foresee a different
outcome. This, of course, is torture. And it is insane.

As I talked about in week 7, it is no good to dwell on the
negatives of the past, for all you do is torture yourself longing for things
you cannot change. Imagine what you could accomplish of you redirected the energy
you waste in fruitless and mindless thinking into productive and witnessed
thoughts. You would gain more calm in your life, for one. Gaining control of
your incessant thinking is one step in the direction of a new peaceful way of
life.

Awakening, to quote Eckhart Tolle in his book “A New Earth”,
is, “…a shift in consciousness in which thinking and awareness separate.” (pg.259)Though to Awaken is most often considered a
spiritual occurrence that usually results in a shift of consciousness and/or
personal growth, I believe anyone, in any walk of life, practicing any
religion, faith or philosophy can benefit from becoming aware of their
thoughts. The small changes I began with have become a way of life for me now, and,
though I am still challenged every day and some days I am more forgetful than others, I am grateful of the lessons I have learned so far because each new challenge I overcome and every negative thought I am able to take notice of and change is one more day I have accomplished treating myself and others with attention and grace.

You don’t have to make a major life change or convert to any
religion or philosophy. The only real philosophy here is to become a better
you. I haven’t made any new commitments to anything but myself; to become a
better me. I’m merely trying out a new philosophy for living.

To do for yourself is not selfish. It is quite the opposite. For to give to yourself first betters you to give fully to others. Love yourself and greatness will follow.~Nanette Stein

Rest your mind and the "rest" will follow--Nanette Stein

"Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakining. Treat it with care"--Buddha

Hey there....

BTW...I have a 'sister' blog "Our Eclectic Life" which is a little lighter side to our life. You can find the link by viewing my complete profile below, or scrolling down to My Blog List. I'd love it if you followed along...

About Me

I am a wife, mother, artist, writer, thinker, dreamer, creator and believer in all things being possible. The most wonderful things are happening right now, even after much, much tragedy we have endured. I am so grateful of every experience and everyone who has crossed my path. I am hopeful that we can all coexist on this planet being kinder to each other, where living judgement free and compassionately is as second nature as breathing. Where the bariers of our own minds are dissolved and the evolution of each of our Spirits is steadfast and free. Let your creativity be your guide and live your authentic life, fearlessly and with abandon. Harm none and spread light. Be easy on yourself and those sharing this planet, as well as the planet itself. Be the change, and the change will come.

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